Let’s talk about one of the most underrated decorating choices in a dining room—the rug under the dining table.
I know, rugs in dining spaces get a bad rap. Spaghetti sauce + a soft wool rug = no thank you.
But here’s my favorite solution that I’ve used in our own dining room for years: an outdoor rug under the dining table.
Yep, outdoor.
Why You Should Use an Outdoor Rug Under Your Dining Table
Here’s why I love it:
- Low pile = easy chair sliding. No more tugging and scooting chairs like a tug-of-war match.
- Super easy to clean. Spills? Crumbs? A quick wipe or hose-down (yes, seriously) and it’s good as new.
- Tons of cute patterns. They’ve come a long way in the style department, and most guests don’t even realize ours isn’t an indoor rug.
Related: My Unbiased, Brutally Honest Review of Ruggable
Voila! No one will ever know. I’m telling you, outdoor rugs are easier to clean than indoor washable rugs. (And we have a lot of experience with washable rugs.)
Helpful Rug Tips
But beyond durability, there are a few decorating rules worth remembering when picking the right rug:
- Go big. Your rug should extend at least 24” beyond the table on all sides so chairs stay on the rug, even when pulled out.
- Stick with low pile or flat weave. Fluffy rugs = chair sliding hazard + major cleaning regret.
- Pattern helps hide messes. A forgiving print can disguise everything from juice spills to crushed crackers (ask me how I know).
- Match the shape. Round table? Round rug. Rectangular or oval table? Go rectangular.
Related: 25 Best Places to Buy Rugs Affordably Online
We’ve loved how our outdoor rug pulls the whole dining space together while making everyday life (and cleanup) a little easier.
So if you’ve been on the fence, now you know—yes, you should put a rug under a dining table. Just make it the right one, an outdoor one in particular if you have kids.
More Rug Resources
